Latest news with #DPIFF
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
DPIFF issues statement denying fraud allegations, selling awards to flop films and actors: 'An attempt to defame and derail our journey'
In a dramatic turn of events, the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival (DPIFF), regarded as one of India's most prestigious film award ceremonies, has come under fire following serious allegations against its top leadership. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now DPIFF's Managing Director Anil Mishra and CEO Abhishek Mishra have been accused of deceiving multiple state governments and tourism departments, including those of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Maharashtra, in the name of sponsorships. Anil Mishra is also accused of selling awards to underperforming films and actors. Organisers break silence On May 21, 2025, DPIFF's organisers broke their silence on social media, issuing a strong rebuttal against the allegations. Through a statement posted on Instagram, they claimed that recent events were part of a malicious campaign to tarnish the image of the festival. The statement read, 'Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival stands as a proud tribute to Indian cinema, creativity and integrity - a platform built on legacy. Despite recent attempts to defame and derail our journey through false and malicious narratives, DPIFF remains unshaken. These unfounded claims failed to derail our mission. We're back - with more power, passion and purpose.' The post reaffirmed their mission to honour the Father of Indian Cinema, , and declared that DPIFF 2025 would return 'bigger, bolder, and grander.' The caption read, "With resilience and responsibility, we move forward. A legacy can't be shaken. A celebration can't be stopped. Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival remains devoted to honouring cinematic excellence and India's cultural heritage. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now DPIFF 2025 — a tribute to that timeless vision — is coming, bigger, bolder and grander. ' DPIFF CEO Abhishek Mishra also released a statement expressing gratitude for the support received amid the controversy: 'Since its inception, Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival has stood as a proud torchbearer of India's rich cinematic legacy, committed to celebrating artistic excellence. Recent challenges only strengthened our resolve. We upheld the truth with dignity and are grateful to the Indian judicial system for reaffirming it. To every artist, filmmaker, and cinephile, thank you for your unwavering support. We now look forward to an even bigger and brighter celebration of Indian cinema and the artists that make Indian cinema what it is.' According to an NDTV report dated May 7, 2025, the lodged a formal complaint against DPIFF's top officials for allegedly misusing the name of the Central government to secure funding and endorsements. They were also accused of misleading public banks like Punjab National Bank and the State Bank of India for sponsorships.
Hindustan Times
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival CEO rejects fraud allegations; claims it's a ‘false, malicious narrative'
The organisers of the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival (DPIFF) have officially released a statement about the recent police case against them and allegations of fraud. In the statement, the Managing Director, Anil Mishra, and CEO Abhishek Mishra, consider these claims 'unfounded' and believe that they have stemmed from an attempt to cause 'reputational damage'. In a statement, the DPIFF organisers claim the allegations caused 'serious safety concerns for the team and invited guests'. The ceremony was originally scheduled for 20 February at Taj Lands End, Mumbai, but news broke earlier that month of the Mumbai police filing an FIR against the organisers. The MD and CEO claimed in a statement that 'certain individuals attempted an extortion' and to 'disrupt the event'. CEO Abhishek said in the statement, 'Since its inception, Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival has stood as a proud torchbearer of India's rich cinematic legacy, committed to celebrating artistic excellence. Recent challenges only strengthened our resolve. We upheld the truth with dignity and are grateful to the Indian judicial system for reaffirming it. To every artist, filmmaker, and cinephile, thank you for your unwavering support. We now look forward to an even bigger and brighter celebration of Indian cinema and the artists that make Indian cinema what it is.' DPIFF also wrote on social media: 'With resilience and responsibility, we move forward. A legacy can't be shaken. A celebration can't be stopped,' urging everyone not to fall for 'false and malicious narratives.' They also claimed that 'a formal clearance and clean antecedent is currently under process with the Bandra Police Station.' For the unversed, the awards given at DPIFF are different from the Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award handed out by the President of India during the National Film Awards. A post shared by Dadasaheb Phalke Awards (DPIFF) (@dpiff_official) NDTV reported on 7 February that the Mumbai police filed an FIR against Anil, a former member of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), his son Abhishek and wife Parvati, among others, for allegedly claiming the Centre's support to hold the event. They were also accused of deceiving various state governments, including the tourism departments of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and Maharashtra, and entities like Punjab National Bank, the State Bank of India, Life Insurance Corporation, Haldirams, Acer, Cinepolis, PVR Inox and Senco for sponsorship. The organisers have reportedly been charged under sections 318 (4) and 319 (2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. MD Anil has been accused of allegedly selling awards in the name of Dadasaheb Phalke to several actors whose films were commercially unsuccessful, according to police sources. He also reportedly cited the participation of prominent Bollywood actors, charging ₹2.5 lakh for a pass to permit two people and pass these awards as part of the National Film Awards. Sources also told the publication that money was collected under International Tourism Festival Private Limited, which has now been shut down. Sameer Dixit, the Maharashtra president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s Chitrapat Kamgar Aghadi, who filed the complaint upon which action was taken against DPIFF organisers, said, 'When we tried to dig up information on the film festival, we learnt that the organisers tried to make the event appear as though it was government-supported. They also used the Prime Minister's Office and the names of ministers as a reference to promote the event and mislead the people. They also said the festival seeks to promote the Incredible India tourism campaign.'
News18
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
DPIFF Rejects Scam Allegations, Reaffirms Support For Indian Film Industry
Last Updated: The Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival denied false allegations against its leadership. Legal action is underway, and the festival will return soon. The Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival has released an official statement firmly rejecting recent false and harmful allegations directed at its organisation and leadership. The Festival views these accusations as baseless and possibly part of a broader effort to damage its reputation. Leading up to the prestigious ceremony originally planned for February 20, 2025, at Taj Lands End, Mumbai, certain individuals attempted extortion by threatening to disrupt the event. When their demands were not met, these individuals made false allegations aimed at tarnishing the reputation of DPIFF's Managing Director, Mr. Anil Mishra, and CEO, Mr. Abhishek Mishra. These actions raised serious safety concerns for the team and invited guests, resulting in the organizers deciding to postpone the ceremony. Legal advisors have since taken steps to contest the false claims, which are now under judicial review. A formal clearance and background check are currently in process with the Bandra Police Station for Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival (DPIFF), Mr. Anil Mishra, and Mr. Abhishek Mishra. In an official statement, Mr Abhishek Mishra, CEO of DPIFF, said, 'Since its inception, Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival has stood as a proud torchbearer of India's rich cinematic legacy, committed to celebrating artistic excellence. Recent challenges only strengthened our resolve. We upheld the truth with dignity and are grateful to the Indian judicial system for reaffirming it. To every artist, filmmaker, and cinephile, thank you for your unwavering support. We now look forward to an even bigger and brighter celebration of Indian cinema and the artists that make Indian cinema what it is." DPIFF encourages the public, stakeholders, and members of the creative industry to dismiss rumours and fabricated stories. The Festival remains committed to its mission of celebrating cinematic excellence and showcasing India's creative talents on a global stage. The Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival will be back soon. First Published: May 22, 2025, 12:26 IST
